After a few years of using a D1x, I'm looking for a new, hybrid Pro SLR camera to shoot HD video as well as higher resolution architecture, landscape, wildlife, fashion and portrait images. In my mind, this means a 16MP- to 24MP (probably full frame, FX) camera that also records HD video (preferably 1080p/720p @24/30 50/60fps.

Like the original D1H, the new, 12.1MP/720p Nikon D3S appears to have larger, more light-sensitive pixels, which helps it appeal to event, news, sports and wildlife shooters. While it undoubtedly would be a big improvement over my old camera, it lacks the resolution that I would like. A few years ago, when the D1H first arrived, I elected to wait for the D1X, which (it was said) would be released later and have a higher resolution sensor with smaller pixels — to appeal to architecture, landscape, wildlife, fashion and portrait photographers.

Right now, my timing seems to be off and I suspect I would be jumping in-between new and older-generation Nikon Pro products. This makes think I might have to wait, or consider the new Canon EOS 1D Mark IV. There does seem to be some talk on various forums of a Nikon D4 for late 2010, but I find myself wondering if Nikon would release a 16MP/720p or 1080p D3Xs before any redesigned D4 comes along? With the release of the new Canon Mark IV and the Red Scarlet line, it does seem as if Nikon may be falling behind for the camera model I envision.

Any thoughts?

A D3Xs would seem to more logically follow Nikon's previous Pro product-naming pattern — and once again provide a product for architecture, landscape, wildlife, fashion and portrait photographers who now need to transition to video (just as the D1X/2X/3X filled the needs of some still shooters in past days). In the past, the higher-specced "X" version of Nikon Pro cameras always have been released after the lower-resolution news cameras.

Is this still the case?

I haven't found any definitive info or rumors about this on Nikon's roadmap. Also, I have not kept pace with Nikon's product line over the years, but I see that the naming conventions (for pro and consumer products) have become quite illogical and confusing (just as they are from Canon). So what's coming? Any thoughts?

welcome to forum george, as for any predictions we have to wait at least to PMA 2010. however, IMHO I wouldn't expect a 16MP pro body soon, it would be too close competitor to d3x, but I may be wrong.

as for new nikon d4 in late 2010, I would say it will be released in 2011, rather than 2010. nikon is very conservative company and releasing to many new products (pro dlsr's) will make customers angry (not everybody has enough money to change cameras too often)

as for HD video and higher MP, well... nikon maybe lacks full hd and 16mp models, but certainly canon lacks high iso capabilities (not to mention good AF operation), I guess that nikon marketing department realized that there is no sense for pushing the MP war and instead they decided to improve the usability of their cameras.

D4 will happen not a D3XS. The only other possible variant I see happening is a D3H but not likely. I actually think we will see 1080i on a lower end camera like a D90/D300 before a D1 series.

The 1DSMK4 is rumored to have over 30mp so if that's what you want then it should be out by spring early summer 2010, maybe perhaps. Nikon will get there too. They tend to take their time and do things right.

Forgot to mention that Nikon is rumored to be working on a very "unique" auto focus system for presumably the D4. So I'd just save up my money until it comes out. I'm hoping the D4 can track a butterfly in mid flight! ;^)